the design of washington city, there was competition. he submitted a design for a palace. americans were not having a palace. it was not particularly on inspiring -- not awe-inspiring. it was neither large nor awe- inspiring, the paper said. "the building serves its purpose. if it were larger and more elegant, perhaps some presidents would be inclined to become its permanent resident." >> a former new york times writer vicki goldberg, sunday evening on c-span3. washington journal continues. host: our series on the fiscal cliff continues this morning with a dive into social security. here to talk about the program and how it is involved in the discussions, the negotiations over america's financial future, is stephen ohlemacher, joining us from the associated press, where he is a reporter. hohow much social security to people get? guest: >> 66 million people. the average benefit is a little over $12,000 -- a little over $1,200 a month. maybe $13,000 a year or so. host: we are talking about retirees and the disabled. guest: a fairly wide group of people receive social securit